Marrying a Eunuch

To protect her family, Princess Yin Xuanji of Chongning has no choice but to enter the palace as a hostage. Little does she know that as soon as she arrives, she'll encounter the infamous Living Yama, Qin Wusheng, the Director of the Eastern Depot.

Everyone says Qin Wusheng is a notorious and corrupt eunuch. Then one day, Yin Xuanji sees the ruthless eunuch from the rumors gently stroking an injured cat beside the palace wall.

So even someone like him has a heart. How interesting.

Qin Wusheng, the emperor's trusted aide, is ordered to keep an eye on Yin Xuanji.

He expects the hostage to live in fear, walking on thin ice, but she's as carefree as can be, dragging him along on her daily adventures.

"Director, try a peony roll. It's delicious!"

"Director, would you like some mung bean soup? My treat!"

"Director, I heard a group of beauties from Jiangnan have arrived at the Green Jade House. Come on, let's go see how beautiful they are! Oh, by the way... do you have any money on you? Lend me some!"

At last, Qin Wusheng can't take it anymore.

He stares at Yin Xuanji, his gaze sinister. "Are you really stupid, or just pretending? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"

She gives him a sly smile. "Go ahead and try. If you can bring yourself to do it, I lose."

Qin Wusheng doesn't know what's come over him lately. Whenever he has a moment to himself, he wants to see that hostage. If he goes a day without seeing her, he feels as restless as if a cat were scratching at his heart.

His subordinates start whispering that their old boss has fallen in love.

A eunuch falling in love? That's treasonous!

Only then does a horrified Qin Wusheng finally realize the truth.

"Oh no. That little fox has played me."

In this deep palace, I've harmed countless people and witnessed countless schemes and betrayals. I know, of course, that she is no innocent soul.

Everyone says I have power over all the land, yet the more authority I hold, the lonelier I feel. The farther I go down this road, the darker it becomes, and the harder it is to see the end.

So even though I know she has her own plans, I still surrender to her willingly.

I've never feared anyone in my life, and I've never believed in karma. But after meeting her, I began to fear that reincarnation might truly exist.

I fear that one day I'll fall from the heights and die. I fear that after death, I'll never see her again.

She is my weakness, and the Bodhisattva granted to me through lifetimes of good fortune.

I fear that my bloodstained hands will sully the Bodhisattva's compassion.

#Those consumed by desire are like people carrying torches against the wind. They are bound to burn their hands.#

Hero: The cold on the outside, warm on the inside, scheming Director of the Eastern Depot

Heroine: A princess who seems harmless but is actually a schemer

Reading guide:

1. A real eunuch, one-on-one, both leads' first and only love, happy ending.

2. An alternate Ming Dynasty setting, with some political intrigue.

3. There are no good or bad people, only people on different sides.

4. The last line comes from The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.

5. Weibo: Jinjiang Lin Wanhe. If you'd like a deeper discussion, find me on Weibo.

Theme: None